Becoming Jimi Hendrix traces "Jimmy's" early musical roots, from a harrowing, hand-to-mouth upbringing in a poverty-stricken, broken Seattle home to his early discovery of the blues to his stint as a reluctant recruit of the 101st Airborne who was magnetically drawn to the rhythm and blues scene in Nashville. As a sideman, Hendrix played with the likes of Little Richard, Ike and Tina Turner, the Isley Brothers, and Sam & Dave- but none knew what to make of his spotlight-stealing rock guitar experimentation, the likes of which had never been heard before. Based on over one hundred interviews with those who knew Hendrix best during his lean years, more than half of whom have never spoken about him on the record. Utilizing court transcripts, FBI files, private letters, unpublished photos, and U.S. Army documents, this is the story of a young musician who overcame enormous odds

Includes bibliographical references, discography, and index

Seattle -- the childhood that never was -- The case against Private Hendrix (January-June 1962) -- I can hear the blues callin' my name (July-December 1962) -- I'd rather starve (January-June 1963) -- Nothing but someone's coat on his back (July-December 1963) -- From one family to the next (January-June 1964) -- An all-consuming fire (July-December 1964) -- Life and near death on the road (January-June 1965) -- How would you feel? (July-December 1965) -- Next planet, please (January-June 1966) -- Downtown and underground (July-September 1966)

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